Thunder is booming over Tauranga as a thunderstorm rolls across the city.

People have also reported seeing hail, lightening and heavy rain in various regions of the city.

A severe thunderstorm is in place for the region.

The MetService issued the watch earlier today, forecasting scattered thunderstorms from Waitomo and Waikato across to Taupo and Bay of Plenty.

'There is a moderate risk of these thunderstorms becoming severe, producing localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/hr and hail with diameter in excess of 2cm,” says the MetService.

'Expect thunderstorm activity to ease at night.

'Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

'Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous.”

If you have any weather related photos, email them to newsroom@thesun.co.nz and we can share them below.

A rainbow over Tauranga Harbour Bridge. Photos: Daniel Hines.

The view from Gate Pa looking towards the Kaimai Range. Supplied photo.

Photos from Omanu. Photos: Doug Dearlove.